Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
For the Nets, this deal is about two variables – fit and depth.
Fit-wise, the players they’re acquiring here should be an improvement over Simmons. We already addressed his inability to shoot. Simmons’ functionality as a purely on-ball player is problematic alongside Irving, and to a lesser extent, Durant.
Yes, Durant is one of the best off-ball players in the league’s history. Still, the Nets ought to be drawing up regular plays that feature him as a primary ball-handler. Meanwhile, Irving is the inverse – he’s a strong off-ball player, but he’s one of the best on-ball creators in the league.
The Nets can probably make it work with Simmons: after all, both of his co-stars are lethal shooters. With that said, would they benefit more from the depth they’re acquiring in this deal?
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They may. All three of the players they’re landing here have some off-ball value. They also each provide a semblance of secondary playmaking.
If Durant and Irving have a firm hold on the top two spots in this team’s offensive pecking order, the Nets may be better served to surround them with quality supporting players.
